Pressheadliner

Author: Press Headliner

  • Xinhua world news summary at 0000 GMT, April 12

    Xinhua world news summary at 0000 GMT, April 12


    UNITED NATIONS — The UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan reports that nearly a year of fighting in the country has left thousands of civilians dead and millions more displaced, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

    “It said that fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands of civilians since it began in April last year,” said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.(UN-Sudan-Fighting-Lives)

    – – – –

    LOS ANGELES — SpaceX launched an advanced weather satellite mission for the U.S. Space Force on Thursday.

    A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:25 a.m. Pacific Time. The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth safely, touching down at Vandenberg’s Landing Zone about eight minutes after liftoff. (US-SpaceX-Satellite)

    – – – –

    BERLIN -The shortage of skilled workers in the German IT sector is set to more than quadruple to 663,000 by 2040 if policymakers do not take appropriate countermeasures, the industry association Bitkom warned Thursday.

    According to Bitkom, the shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector has increased significantly in the last five years, with almost 149,000 job positions left unfilled in the previous year. (Germany-Skilled-worker-shortage)

    – – – –

    JERUSALEM — Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday vowed an “appropriate response” if Iran attacks his country’s territory.

    “A direct Iranian attack on Israeli territory will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran,” Gallant told U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a phone conversation on preparations for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. (Israel-US-Iranian Attack)

  • LAT Multilingual Achieves B Corp Certification for Commitment to Social and Environmental Responsibility


    VANCOUVER, British Columbia — LAT Multilingual, a Canadian company specializing in translation, content adaptation, localization, and multicultural marketing, is now B Corp certified.

    B Corp certification is a designation awarded to businesses that meet high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency across a range of factors, including employee benefits, charitable giving, and supply chain practices.

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    “We are thrilled to achieve B Corp certification,” says Lise Alain, President at LAT Multilingual. “We believe that businesses can have a positive impact and we strive to implement measures that sustain our communities. At LAT, we are committed to making a positive contribution to society for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.”

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    LAT Multilingual is well-positioned to continue building on its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

    LAT Multilingual’s sustainability policy is centered around three values: a sustainable future, a sustainable environment, and a sustainable economy. The company’s management and employees are committed to taking measures to reduce waste, prevent pollution, and conserve energy. They also support diversity, equity, and inclusion by implementing concrete procedures company-wide to offer opportunities to all their current and prospective employees, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or cultural and linguistic background.

    The company’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices extends to its employees’ virtual workplaces, where it encourages practices such as recycling, sustainable procurement, reduction of paper usage, and telecommuting to reduce the need for physical office spaces and associated environmental impacts.

    About LAT Multilingual
    Founded in 1999, LAT Multilingual has been providing translation and marketing services with an emphasis on helping clients reach multicultural audiences. Their translation services center on ethical translation, incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. The firm specializes in translation, content adaptation, localization, interpreting, and digital marketing for a wide range of industries. Their core mission is to help companies and organizations reach diverse markets through top-quality translations and culturally sensitive marketing strategies.

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411955628/en/

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    Contacts

    Deepa Jatania
    Communications Coordinator | LAT Multilingual
    866.936.3833, ext 105

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  • India’s election manifesto should be big-ticket reforms: CII President

    India’s election manifesto should be big-ticket reforms: CII President


    New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): As the country is inching towards the first phase of voting on April 19 for the Lok Sabha election, India’s top industry body, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has come out with its own manifesto, which will push the growth of the country.

    R Dinesh, President, said that the country’s manifesto should be inclusive of the economic growth of the country as well as industry, and to make that happen, one of the important areas is for big-ticket reforms to happen.

    Speaking with ANI CII President, he said, “From an industry perspective, let me make four broad points. First and foremost, we are saying that India should have growth and it should be inclusive growth, which is very important for us, both from an industry perspective and also from the country’s economic growth perspective.”He emphasised big-ticket reforms and broad consensus amongst the centre and the states to make the sea-change.

    Dinesh said that includes land labour and, to a certain extent, the agricultural sector, which requires support.

    “To make that happen, there has to be a broad consensus built amongst the centre and the states. GST structure type of a body will help the implementation of these reforms in a proper and phased manner and make it possible and feasible for the growth of India to be happening,” said CII President.

    He further added that MSMEs need to get better access to the formal economy and funding from banks and fintechs.

    “What is needed is that the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) scheme, which the government had announced, can be institutionalised as a support for them and to make that happen, that needs to be done in a rating agency tie-up, that can provide a suitable rating for MSMEs so that they can get access to the banks and the FinTech players,” said Dinesh.

    “MSMEs have a challenge in terms of getting the funding for the transition to sustainability and green energy that also needs to be supported,” he added.

    Talking about the rise of Sensex from 25000 to 75000 in the 10 years of the Modi government’s tenure, Dinesh said that the stock market tends to reflect what they’re looking for in the future.

    SEBI chairperson said in an event very recently on the stock market that the valuations are dependent on the growth of the country, so it is important to look at the growth of the country, so far to make that happen.

    “Looking at more than a 7.6 per cent rate of growth, India in 2026-27 will become USD 5 trillion economy, and in 2030 it will become USD 7 trillion economy,” added CII President. (ANI)

  • Voghion Online Shopping Focuses on German Market with Localization Initiative

    Voghion, the trailblazing force in European eCommerce, proudly announces its bold step towards deeper market penetration through a strategic localization initiative. Since its inception in 2021, Voghion has revolutionized online shopping, seamlessly merging the elegance of “Vogue” with the essence of “Fashion,” delighting customers with premium products at factory prices.

    While Voghion has maintained a presence in the German market, the company is now intensifying its efforts to embed itself more deeply in the hearts and minds of German consumers. As the inaugural focus of its enhanced localization strategy, Germany holds a pivotal role in Voghion’s journey towards becoming the epitome of online retail excellence.

    Acknowledging the diverse tastes and preferences of German shoppers, Voghion is undertaking a comprehensive transformation across all facets of its operations. From meticulously curated product selections to localized website and app designs, every touchpoint is being fine tuned to resonate authentically with the German audience. Furthermore, Voghion’s marketing strategies are being meticulously crafted to reflect the cultural nuances and shopping habits unique to Germany, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for every customer.

    “We are thrilled to unveil our strategic localization initiative, with Germany at the forefront of our endeavors,” remarked Sheryl Yee, the Marketing VP of Voghion. “By immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of German culture and consumer preferences, we are poised to elevate the online shopping experience to unprecedented heights of excellence.”

    Complementing its digital efforts, Voghion is also expanding its offline presence in Germany, with plans for immersive experiential events, localized pop-up stores, and community engagement initiatives slated for mid-2024. These endeavors aim to foster deeper connections with German consumers, further solidifying Voghion’s position as the ultimate destination for discerning shoppers seeking both quality and value.

    Looking ahead, Voghion remains steadfast in its commitment to replicating its localized success across all markets served, ensuring that every customer interaction reflects the company’s dedication to delivering unparalleled satisfaction and convenience.

    About Voghion:


    Founded in 2021 in London, Voghion has emerged as a pioneering force in European eCommerce, setting new standards of excellence in online retail. With a strategic focus on localization, Voghion is dedicated to providing tailored shopping experiences that resonate authentically with consumers in every market served, beginning with an intensified focus on the German market.

  • China science, technology news summary — April 11

    China science, technology news summary — April 11


    BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) — The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China.

    ANDROGENS’ ROLE

    Chinese researchers have explored the role of androgens in shaping sex differences at the molecular and cellular levels, according to a research article published in journal Nature on Wednesday.

    A team of researchers from the Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University and the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, constructed a detailed single-cell transcriptomic map of 17 different tissues from a mouse.

    Using this dataset, they analyzed sex differences in depth and investigated how androgens influence these differences through specific molecules and cell types. They also explored the implications of their findings on sex-biased diseases.

    PREGNANCY MICROBIOME

    Researchers recently unveiled the evolving patterns of pregnancy microbiome, aiming to analyze the impact of the microbial ecosystem on the health of both mothers and their offspring.

    The study, jointly conducted by a team consisting of researchers from the Beijing Institutes of Life Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, has been published in the journal Science Bulletin.

    Researchers found that as pregnancy advances, the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota undergo significant changes, adapting to fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy, which may affect maternal metabolism and immune system.

    EARLY EVOLUTION OF MAMMALS

    A study led by Chinese scientists on Jurassic mammals has shed light on the early evolution of mammals, according to the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    An international research team led by the IVPP studied Jurassic mammal fossils from north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and southwest China’s Yunnan Province, had revealed the earliest evolution of tooth, middle ear and jaw joint in mammals.

  • Emera Teleconference on May 13 to Discuss Q1 2024 Results and Annual General Meeting on May 23


    HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Today Emera (TSX: EMA) announced that it will release its Q1 2024 results on Monday, May 13, 2024, before markets open. The Company will host a teleconference and webcast the same day at 9:30 a.m. Atlantic (8:30 a.m. Eastern) to discuss the results.

    Analysts and other interested parties in North America are invited to participate by dialing 1-800-717-1738. International parties are invited to participate by dialing 1-289-514-5100. Participants should dial in at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No pass code is required.

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    A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Company’s website, www.emera.com. A replay of the teleconference will be available on the Company’s website two hours after the conclusion of the call.

    Emera will hold its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Atlantic. The meeting will be held virtually via live webcast.

    As a shareholder, there are several ways you can vote:

    1. You can participate and vote virtually in the meeting by visiting https://web.lumiagm.com/407390256 and use password: emera2024 (case sensitive).
      Please note, beneficial (non-registered) owners will only be able to vote virtually or ask questions through the live webcast if they are duly appointed and registered as proxyholders.
    2. If you do not plan to participate in the meeting:
      • Mail your proxy or voting instruction form using the postage-paid, pre-addressed envelope provided.
      • Vote by telephone or via internet (see the proxy or voting instruction form). Proxies must be received prior to 5:00 p.m. Atlantic time on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, or if the meeting is adjourned, or postponed, 5:00 p.m. Atlantic time two business days prior to the reconvened meeting date.

    If you have questions, please contact the Corporate Secretary, Emera Incorporated, P.O. Box 910, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2W5 or by calling 1-800-358-1995 from anywhere in North America.

    About Emera Inc.

    Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with approximately $39 billion in assets and 2023 revenues of $7.6 billion. The company primarily invests in regulated electricity generation and electricity and gas transmission and distribution with a strategic focus on transformation from high carbon to low carbon energy sources. Emera has investments in Canada, the United States and in three Caribbean countries. Emera’s common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade respectively under the symbol EMA, EMA.PR.A, EMA.PR.B, EMA.PR.C, EMA.PR.E, EMA.PR.F, EMA.PR.H, EMA.PR.J and EMA.PR.L. Depositary receipts representing common shares of Emera are listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange under the symbol EMABDR and on The Bahamas International Securities Exchange under the symbol EMAB. Additional information can be accessed at www.emera.com or at www.sedarplus.com.

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410132245/en/

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    Contacts

    Emera Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Dave Bezanson VP, Investor Relations & Pensions
    902-474-2126
    dave.bezanson@emera.com

    Media
    902-222-2683
    media@emera.com

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  • Pentagon’s Ukraine contract for Musk’s Starlink expires Bloomberg

    Pentagon’s Ukraine contract for Musk’s Starlink expires Bloomberg


    It’s unclear whether the deal for the satellite network that was ?the communication backbone of Ukraine? will be extended, the outlet wrote

    The Pentagon contract to deploy Elon Musk’s Starlink terminals in Ukraine will expire next month, Bloomberg has reported, citing an unnamed US official. The service plays a vital role in Washington’s security assistance to Kiev, the report adds.

    The source also revealed that the contract, which went into force in June of last year and lasts through May, is worth $23 million, Bloomberg wrote. The US Department of Defense has so far refused to officially disclose the size of the contract. The amount has been described by the publication as “miniscule” compared to the “hundreds of millions of dollars” Musk’s SpaceX received from the US for launching some of its national security satellites.

    Elon Musk has repeatedly voiced unease about the use of Starlink in Ukraine. The satellite network has been providing communications to the country’s military and the government.

    “Starlink needs to be a civilian network, not a participant to combat,” Musk said on X (formerly Twitter) in September, referring to the use of the satellites in Ukraine throughout the conflict with Russia. “This is the right order of things,” he added.

    Musk’s comment came shortly after the billionaire revealed that he had foiled a Ukrainian drone raid on Crimea by refusing to let Kiev forces use Starlink to guide naval drone strikes on Russian ships. Musk’s admission sparked outrage in Kiev, with Mikhail Podoliak, a top adviser to President Vladimir Zelensky, accusing him of “enabling evil.”

    Musk responded to the accusation by explaining that he had no obligation to fight for Ukraine, adding that he did not want Space X to be “explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.”

    His remark echoed a previous statement made in the winter of 2023, where he admitted that although Starlink was “the communication backbone of Ukraine, especially at the front lines”, SpaceX “will not enable escalation of conflict that may lead to WW3.”

    Last year, SpaceX signed a contract with the US Defense Department to provide satellite services as part of the Pentagon’s new ‘Starshield’ program. CEO Elon Musk described the effort as a military alternative to the “civilian” Starlink. However, according to Bloomberg, the new Space Force contract will see Starshield’ rely on the existing constellation of Starlink satellites.

    (RT.com)

  • Sensex may cross 85K by year-end but may see a sharp correction before that: Expert

    Sensex may cross 85K by year-end but may see a sharp correction before that: Expert


    Mumbai (Maharashtra), [India], April 10 (ANI): After a pause on Tuesday, the bull run continues in the Indian stock market on Wednesday’s session. The Nifty touched a new high of 22,775.70 breaking the previous record of 22,768 points. The Nifty closed at 22753.80 points while the Sensex ended 0.47% higher at 75,038.15.

    All major indices including Nifty Midcap, Nifty Bank, Nifty Next 50 and Nifty Financial Services closed in green. The Nifty Midcap 100 index also hit an all-time high of 50,443.15 to close at 50,380.40 points.

    “The market may touch the 85,000 mark by the end of this year, but there are chances of sharper than expected corrections in the coming months,” said Sanjiv Bhasin, Director, IIFL Securities.

    Bhasin further says that the reforms done during the last 10 years of the Modi government have contributed to the new highs for the stock market.

    “The reforms done in last ten years have contributed a lot in the stock market, to our economy. This journey to 75000 is remarkable. This wealth is being created among investors because of digitization” said Dhirendra Kumar, CEO, Value Research.

    In broader market movements, the BSE MidCap index outperformed with a gain of 0.7%, while the SmallCap index moved in tandem with the benchmark, registering a 0.3% increase.

    In the Nifty 50 stocks, 32 closed in green while 18 declined. Among PSU stocks Coal India, was the top gainer of the Nifty 50 while BPCL was the second top gainer. .

    European markets experienced an uptick, fuelled by positive developments in the technology sector and rising commodity prices, ahead of crucial US inflation data that will offer insights into the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance.

    The Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.6%, bouncing back from previous session losses, with a notable boost from surging sales at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., bolstering European tech stocks.

    “Investor focus is now directed towards the forthcoming inflation update, with expectations that US consumer prices rose 0.3% in March on a month to month basis, both overall and excluding food and energy costs” said Varun Aggarwal, MD, Profit Idea.

    Global equities are grappling with sustaining momentum following a robust first quarter performance, as investors recalibrate expectations regarding Fed rate cuts amidst resilient US economic data.

    Gold maintained its record high as investors positioned themselves ahead of US inflation data, while oil prices stabilized after consecutive losses. (ANI)

  • More Needs to Be Done to Save Surrey StrongStart, Says Program Staff Union


    SURREY, British Columbia — The union representing the Early Childhood Educators that staff Surrey’s StrongStart program are urging the Surrey School District to explore all options to save this vital public education program. CUPE 728, representing over 30 Early Childhood Educators that staff the program, says closure or significant cuts are not an option for the community.

    “StrongStart is a crucial program for children and families. It provides accessible, no-cost support to families with pre-school aged children that is not available anywhere else,” says Tammy Murphy, president of CUPE 728. “We hope the School District will look at all options to protect and strengthen the StrongStart program and make sure it is a priority for the next school year.”

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    CUPE 728 is calling for the Provincial Government to work with School District 36 and other districts to address long-term funding for programs like StrongStart but says Surrey as a community has a responsibility to ensure our children have the public education opportunities they need and deserve at all ages.

    “Families trust the StrongStart Early Childhood Educators to provide the highest level of care and guidance for their children in a safe and healthy learning environment. Losing this program will be a crushing blow to these families and the dedicated workers that make it possible,” says Murphy. “The District needs to explore more measures to keep this program alive for the next school year, and be prepared to work with the Province and all stakeholders to make it sustainable in the long-term.”

    CUPE 728 will be discussing its concerns on the future of the StrongStart program with the Surrey Board of Trustees next week.

    “As we’ve seen with the outpouring of support from Surrey parents and teachers, StrongStart is important to our community. With their career in question, calls for action from parents and our fellow educators are greatly appreciated,” says Murphy. “We are all dedicated to strengthening our public education system and programs like StrongStart.”

    COPE491

    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240409446414/en/

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    Contacts

    For more information:

    Tammy Murphy
    President, CUPE 728
    604.308.2012

    Greg Taylor
    CUPE Communications Representative
    604.842.7444, gtaylor@cupe.ca

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  • California’s ’99 Cents Only Stores’ to close down in US

    California’s ’99 Cents Only Stores’ to close down in US


    COMMERCE, California: Ending its 42-year run of selling an assortment of bargain-basement merchandise, 99 Cents Only Stores say that it will close all 371 of its outlets around the U.S.

    The California-based retailer has stores across its home state and in Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. It said it would begin selling off its stock of merchandise, as well as fixtures, furnishings, and equipment.

    In a statement, Interim CEO Mike Simoncic said that the company has struggled for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, slowing consumer demand, inflation, and rising levels of losses from employee theft, shoplifting, damage, administrative errors and other causes, which is known as product “shrink.”

    “This was an extremely difficult decision and is not the outcome we expected or hoped to achieve,” said Simoncic, who will be stepping down as the company’s head.

    Last month, rival discount retailer Dollar Tree said it was closing 1,000 stores.

    99 Cents Only Stores was founded in 1982 in Los Angeles by Dave Gold, who opened its first store when he was 50.

    Gold’s store quickly became popular, even in middle-class and upscale neighborhoods, enabling the company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996. It was later sold for some $1.6 billion in 2011.

    While the chain initially sold most items for 99 cents, that became untenable in recent decades, although the company kept its trademarked name.